Focus on Better Sleep for a Better Day
By Rachel Shouse
I know it's tempting, watching one more episode of your favorite show. You may try to use this time to spend with your spouse, clean your home, get some work done -- the list is endless. It's normal for this to happen sometimes and it's OK to do this on occasion. It's not a great idea to do this regularly however. The effects of sleep deprivation have an effect on both your physical health and your mental health. That being said, there are ways for you to both get enough sleep and enjoy your day.
The Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Feeling physically exhausted has a lot of negative impacts on your life, health, relationships, and more. No one expects you to be perfect and always go to bed right on time. If you don't set a limit at all though, you're more likely to keep pushing that boundary.
Physically, too little sleep can weaken your immune system, cause weight gain, and increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These problems take time to develop, but nothing's going to stop these problems from happening unless you decide to change your habits.
The Mental Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Most people are mentally drained at the end of the day. Life is crazy, no doubt about that. There are ways to make this problem a little easier. Instead of always expecting yourself to go to bed at the same time, think about what time you have to get up and just be mindful.
Being aware of the consequences of sleep deprivation can really help as a motivator. Mood swings, trouble with focus and concentration, memory problems, and more are all caused by a lack of shut-eye. Think about how your day could benefit if you currently struggle with these problems.
Enjoying Life and Getting Enough Sleep
Life shouldn't be boring. If you enjoy laying in bed and watching movies, you should do that. Instead of it just being an endless habit, maybe block out a section of time for you to do this. Creating that boundary helps keep this from getting out of control.
Lastly, be sure to give yourself grace. Don't expect yourself to always drop what you're doing because it's bedtime. If you're in the middle of something, set a timer for a reasonable amount of time and make that your goal instead. There's really no need to be really strict.
While you may feel like you save time by sleeping less, it's actually very much the opposite. In order for you to function at your best, you need to take good care of yourself. Set yourself up for success with a proper night's sleep.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elgin, Ill.